Net Zero North West welcomes Northern Nuclear Alliance and Offshore Energy Alliance as latest affiliate members

Net Zero North West (NZNW) is pleased to announce that Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA) and Offshore Energy Alliance (OEA) cluster are the latest organisations to join the industrial cluster as affiliate members.

The announcement is a further boost to NZNW’s focus on building a fully geographic and sector representative partnership to drive a Whole System approach to delivery of the cluster.

Nuclear power is poised to play a key role in the drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions, both as a consistent and dependable supply of electricity that is essential for maintaining grid stability and as a competitive energy source from which to produce affordable, low-carbon hydrogen on a large scale.

The North West has the highest concentration of nuclear expertise in the UK, with more than 29,000 highly skilled, direct jobs in the sector and 140,000 roles supported indirectly through the supply chain. In 2024, the nuclear sector contributed £5bn in direct spending and £4.9bn in gross value added to the North West’s economy. With a projected annual growth rate of 8.34%, the industry has the potential to deliver more than £15bn to the regional economy by 2030 along with a 49% increase in employment.

“Working with NZNW will be key to championing the wealth of nuclear capability, capacity and expertise in our region. The importance of the nuclear sector is not just as an economic powerhouse; it is a cornerstone of the UK’s net zero ambitions and a beacon of hope for a sustainable future,” commented Rachel O’Donnell, chair of NNA.

“If Silicon Valley is synonymous with technology, the North West is its nuclear equivalent. The Birchwood Nuclear Hub in Warrington brings together more than 6,000 nuclear specialists from more than 30 organisations. Much of the work to design the world’s first nuclear reactor was done here in the 1950s and today it stands as the UK’s leading centre for nuclear engineering and innovation, driving advancements that will shape the global energy landscape,” she added.

Meanwhile, OEA is an offshore and energy supply chain cluster for North Wales and the North West of England. It is a collective of public and private partners including the Welsh government, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Enterprising Cumbria. Menai Science Park (M-SParc) on Anglesey is the cluster’s secretariat, while active offshore wind and tidal developers also support the cluster’s activities. OEA partners work together to promote wider involvement in offshore wind, tidal and other low-carbon energy sectors.

Net Zero North West (NZNW) is pleased to announce that Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA) and Offshore Energy Alliance (OEA) cluster are the latest organisations to join the industrial cluster as affiliate members.

The announcement is a further boost to NZNW’s focus on building a fully geographic and sector representative partnership to drive a Whole System approach to delivery of the cluster.

Nuclear power is poised to play a key role in the drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions, both as a consistent and dependable supply of electricity that is essential for maintaining grid stability and as a competitive energy source from which to produce affordable, low-carbon hydrogen on a large scale.

The North West has the highest concentration of nuclear expertise in the UK, with more than 29,000 highly skilled, direct jobs in the sector and 140,000 roles supported indirectly through the supply chain. In 2024, the nuclear sector contributed £5bn in direct spending and £4.9bn in gross value added to the North West’s economy. With a projected annual growth rate of 8.34%, the industry has the potential to deliver more than £15bn to the regional economy by 2030 along with a 49% increase in employment.

“Working with NZNW will be key to championing the wealth of nuclear capability, capacity and expertise in our region. The importance of the nuclear sector is not just as an economic powerhouse; it is a cornerstone of the UK’s net zero ambitions and a beacon of hope for a sustainable future,” commented Rachel O’Donnell, chair of NNA.

“If Silicon Valley is synonymous with technology, the North West is its nuclear equivalent. The Birchwood Nuclear Hub in Warrington brings together more than 6,000 nuclear specialists from more than 30 organisations. Much of the work to design the world’s first nuclear reactor was done here in the 1950s and today it stands as the UK’s leading centre for nuclear engineering and innovation, driving advancements that will shape the global energy landscape,” she added.

Meanwhile, OEA is an offshore and energy supply chain cluster for North Wales and the North West of England. It is a collective of public and private partners including the Welsh government, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Enterprising Cumbria. Menai Science Park (M-SParc) on Anglesey is the cluster’s secretariat, while active offshore wind and tidal developers also support the cluster’s activities. OEA partners work together to promote wider involvement in offshore wind, tidal and other low-carbon energy sectors.